Flora, Roman Goddess of Flowers, Springtime, and Sex Roman Flora is the Roman Goddess of flowering plants, especially those that bear fruit. Spring, of course, is Her season, and She has elements of a Love-Goddess, with its attendant attributes of fertility, sex, and blossoming. She is quite ancient; the Sabines are said to have named a month for Her (which corresponds to our and the Roman April), and She was known among the Samnites as well as the Oscans, where She was called Flusia. She was originally the Goddess specifically of the flowering crops, such as the grain or fruit-trees, and Her function was to make the grain, vegetables and trees bloom so that autumn's harvest would be good. She was invoked to avert rust, a nasty fungal disease of plants that causes orange growths the exact color of rusting iron, and which was (is) an especial problem affecting wheat. Hers is the beginning of the process that finds its completion with Pomona , the Goddess of Fruit and the Harvest; and like Pomona, Flora had Her own flamen, one of a small number of priests each in service to a specific Deity.

The flamens were said to have been instituted by Numa, the legendary second King of Rome who succeeded Romulus; and whether Numa really existed or not, the flamens were undoubtedly of ancient origin, as were the Deities they served. In later times Flora became the Goddess of all flowering plants, including the ornamental varieties. Her name is related to Latin floris, meaning naturally enough "a flower", with the additional meaning of "[something] in its prime"; other related words have meanings like "prospering", "flourishing", "abounding", and "fresh or blooming". In one story, Flora was said to have provided Juno with a magic flower that would allow Her to conceive with no help from a man; from this virgin-birth Mars was born. A late tale calls Flora a courtesan and gives Her a story similar to Acca Larentia: Flora was said to have made a fortune as a courtesan, which She bequeathed to Rome upon Her death, and for which She was honored with the festival of the Floralia.

As Flora was originally a Sabine Goddess, and as the Sabines were a neighboring tribe whom the Romans conquered and assimilated into Rome, perhaps this is an acknowledgement of the land so acquired, put into legendary terms. Flora had two temples in Rome, one near the Circus Maximus, the great "stadium" of Rome where chariot races were held, and another on the slopes of the Quirinal Hill. The temple on the Quirinal was most likely built on the site of an earlier altar to Her said to have been dedicated by Titus Tatius, King of the Sabines, who ruled alongside Romulus for a time in the very early (hence legendary) days of Rome. Her other temple was built quite near to the Circus Maximus, though its exact site has not been found, and was associated with a neighboring temple dedicated to the triad of Ceres (the Grain Goddess) and Liber and Libera (God and Goddess of the Vine). These Deities and Flora were all concerned with the fertility and health of the crops.

Flora's temple by the Circus was dedicated on the 28th of April in 241 (or 248) BCE in response to a great drought at the command of the Sybilline books, and this day became the starting date of Her great festival, the Floralia. In Imperial times (1st century CE) this temple was rededicated (I assume after some restorations were made) on the 13th of August, and this date was given to a second festival of Flora, coinciding with the ripening of the grain, whose flowers She had set forth. The Floralia of April was originally a moveable feast to coincide with the blossoming of the plants, later becoming fixed with the dedication of Her temple on the 28th (or 27th, before the calendar was reformed--I mention this because holidays were almost always held on odd-numbered days as it was considered unlucky to start a festival on an even-numbered day), though ludi or "games"—horse-races or athletic contests—were not held every year.

By the Empire the festival had grown (or should I say, blossomed) to seven days, and included chariot-races and theatrical performances, some of which were notoriously bawdy. It was given over to merriment and celebrations of an amorous nature, much like that northern flower-and-sex festival Beltaine whose date neatly coincides. Prostitutes considered it their own special time, and the Floralia gained a reputation as being more licentious and abandoned than the Saturnalia of December, whose name is legendary even now. At the chariot-races and circus games of the Floralia it was traditional to let goats and hares loose, and lupines, bean-flowers and vetch (all of which have similarly-shaped blossoms and are a sort of showier version of wheat in bloom) were scattered, symbolic of fertility. Brightly colored clothes were a must, as were wreaths of flowers, especially roses; and the celebrations drew great crowds. Of the two nationalized chariot-teams who shared a deep rivalry, the Greens and the Blues, the Greens (of course) were Hers, and She had been invoked at chariot-races from ancient times.

The last day of the festival, May 3rd, was called Florae; it may be a special name for the closing day of the Floralia, or it may refer to a seperate ceremony conducted in Her temple on the Quirinal. Flora was depicted by the Romans wearing light spring clothing, holding small bouquets of flowers, sometimes crowned with blossoms. Honey, made from flowers, is one of Her gifts, and Her name is said to be one of the secret (holy) names of Rome. She is sometimes called the handmaiden of Ceres. Ovid identifies Her with the Greek flower-nymph Chloris, whose name means "yellow or pale green", the color of Spring. The word flora is still used as a general name for the plants of a region. Alternate names/epithets: Flora Rustica, "Flora the Countrywoman" or "Flora of the Countryside", and Flora Mater, or "Flora the Mother", in respect to Her ancient origins. Among the Oscans She was known as Flusia. All art here ©2004-2013 Thalia Took. You are free to borrow the images here for your own personal or religious use.

If you use any on your personal non-commercial website, please credit the work to Thalia Took. If you can link back to this site, I'd appreciate it. Always ask permission first for any other requests for use of this art. Obscure Goddess Online Directory text ©2006-2012 Thalia Took, and please do not reproduce it. Questions or comments? E-mail me . CHLORIS (Khloris) - Greek Goddess Nymph of Flowers (Roman Flora) Flora-Chloris, Greco-Roman fresco from Stabiae C1st A.D., Naples National Archaeological Museum KHLORIS (Chloris) was the goddess of flowers and a nymph of the Islands of the Blessed . She was the wife of Zephyros the West-Wind and the mother of Karpos (Carpus), god of fruit. Her Roman name was Flora. FAMILY OF CHLORIS Probably OKEANOS (as implied by Ovid) OFFSPRING KARPOS (by Zephyros ) (Other references) ENCYCLOPEDIA CHLORIS (Chlôris).

The wife of Zephyrus, and the goddess of flowers, so that she is identical with the Roman Flora. (Ov. Fast. v. 195.) FLORA. The Roman goddess of flowers and spring. The writers, whose object it was to bring the Roman religion into contempt, relate that Flora had been, like Acca Laurentia, a courtesan, who accumulated a large property, and bequeathed it to the Roman people, in return for which she was honoured with the annual festival of the Floralia. (Lactant. i. 20.) But her worship was established at Rome in the very earliest times, for a temple is said to have been vowed to her by king Tatius (Varro, de. L. L. v. 74), and Numa appointed a flamen to her. The resemblance between the names Flora and Chloris led the later Romans to identify the two divinities. Her temple at Rome was situated near the Circus Maximus (Tac. Ann. ii. 49), and her festival was celebrated from the 28th of April till the first of May, with extravagant merriment and lasciviousness. (Dict. of Ant. s. v.

Floralia.) Source: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES Ovid, Fasti 5. 193 ff (trans.Boyle) (Roman poetry C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "The goddess [Flora] replied to my questions, as she talks, her lips breathe spring roses : ‘I was Chloris, whom am now called Flora. Latin speech corrupted a Greek letter of my name. I was Chloris, Nympha of the happy fields [Elysium], the homes of the blessed (you hear) in earlier times. To describe my beauty would mar my modesty : it found my mother a son-in law god. It was spring, I wandered; Zephyrus (the West Wind) saw me, I left. He pursues, I run : he was the stronger; and Boreas gave his brother full rights of rape by robbing Erechtheus' house of its prize [Oreithyia]. But he makes good the rape by naming me his bride, and I have no complaints about my marriage.

‘I enjoy perpetual spring : the year always shines, trees are leafing, the soild always fodders. I have a fruitful garden in my dowered fields, fanned by breezes, fed by limpid fountains. My husband filled it with well-bred flowers, saying : "Have jurisdiction of the flower, goddess." I often wanted to number the colours displayed, but could not : their abundance defied measure. As soon as the dewy frost is cast from the leaves and sunbeams warm the dappled blossom, the Horae (Seasons) assemble, hitch up their coloured dresses and collect these gifts of mine in light tubs. Suddenly the Charites (Graces) burst in, and weave chaplets and crowns to entwine the hair of gods. I first scattered new seed across countless nations; earth was formerly a single colour. I first made a flower from Therapnean blood [Hyacinthus the larkspur flower], and its petal still inscribes the lament. You, too, narcissus, have a name in tended gardens, unhappy in your undivided self.

Why mention Crocus, Attis or Cinyras' son, from whose wounds I made a tribute soar?’" FLORA & THE BIRTH OF MARS (ARES) Ovid, Fasti 5. 229 ff (trans.Boyle) (Roman poetry C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "[Flora tells the tale of the birth of Mars :] Mars [Ares] also, you may not know, was formed by my arts. I pray that Jove [Zeus] stays ignorant of this. Holy Juno [Hera], when Minerva [Athene] sprang unmothered, was hurt that Jove did not need her service. She went to complain to Oceanus of her husband's deeds. She stopped at our door, tired from the journey. As soon as I saw her, I asked, ‘What's brought you here, Saturnia [Hera]?’ She reports where she's going, and cites the cause. I consoled her with friendly words : ‘Words,’ she declares, ‘cannot relieve my pain.

If Jove became a father without using a spouse and possesses both titles by himself, why should I not expect a spouseless motherhood, chaste parturition, untouched by a man? I'll try every drug on the broad earth and empty Oceanus and the hollows of Tartarus.’ Her speech was mid-course; my face was hesitant. ‘You look, Nympha, as thou you can help,’ she says. Three times I wanted to help, three times my tongue stuck : Jupiter's anger caused massive fear. ‘Please help me,’ she said, ‘my source will be concealed;’ and the divine Styx testifies to this. ‘A flower,’ I said, ‘from the fields of Olenus will grant your wish. It's unique to my gardens. I was told: "Touch a barren cow; she'll be a mother." I touched. No delay: she was a mother.’ I quickly plucked the clinging flower with my thumb. Juno feels its touch and at the touch conceives. She bulges, and enters Thrace and west Propontis, and fulfils her wish: Mars [Ares] was created.

Recalling my role in his birth, Mars said : ‘You, too, should have a place in Romulus' city.’" CULT OF FLORA AT ROME Ovid, Fasti 5. 183 ff (trans.Boyle) (Roman poetry C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "May 2 Floralia Ludi Fastus. Be present, [Flora] mother of flowers, honoured with shows and play. I postponed your role from last month. You start in April and cross to the time of May: one has you as it leaves, one as it comes. Since the edges of these moths are yours and defer to you, either of them suits your praises. The Circus continues and the theatre's lauded palm. Let this song, too, join the Circus spectacle. Teach me yourself who you are. Men's opinions deceive. You will be the best source for your name. [The goddess describes her origins, see the passage quoted above.] . . . ‘Perhaps you think my rule is confined to dainty wreaths. My divinity touches the fields, too.

If crops flower well, the threshing-floor churns wealth; if the vines flower well, Bacchus flows; if the olives flower well, the year shimmers and the season fills with bursting fruit. Once their bloom is damages, vetches and beans die, your lentils die, too, alien Nile. Wines also bloom, carefully stored in great cellars, and film seals the surface of the vats. Honey is my gift. I call winged honey-makers [i.e. bees] to violets, clover and greying thyme. We do the same thing also, when in youthful years our spirits riot and the body glows.’ As she spoke, I admired her mutely. ‘You've the right,’ she says, ‘to have nay questions answered.’ ‘Tell me, goddess,’ I asked, ‘the origin of the shows.’ I had hardly stopped. She replied to me: ‘The other modes of luxury did not yet flourish; riches lay in cattle or broad estates (hence the Latin words for wealthy and for money), but already wealth was got illegally. The custom grew of grazing the people's pastures, and it was long allowed to go unpunished.

The masses lacked champions to protect public land, and the lazy alone grazed privately. This license was arraigned before the Publicii, Aediles of the plebs. Courage failed before. The people recovered their rights, the guilty were fined; the champion's public spirit was praised. Part of the fine was given to me, and the victors began the new shows amid great applause. Part of it financed a slope in a beetling cliff; it's now a useful road, named Publicius.’ I thought the shows were made annual. She denied it, and added other words to her speech. ‘Honour pricks us, too. We love festivals and altars; celestials are a status-greedy bunch. Sin often renders the gods hostile to a man; a sweet victim pays for the offence . . . If we are neglected, the offence is punished massively, and anger exceeds just bounds . . . The Roman Fathers also passes me by. What was I to do--to demonstrate my dismay and to penalize their insult to me? Distress let duty slip. I failed to guard the fields, and I neglected my fruitful garden.

Lilies had fallen, you could see violets parched and tendrils droop on the crimson saffron. Zephyrus (the West Wind) often said to me : "Do not ruin your dowry." My dowry was now worthless. The olives flowered; but wanton winds damaged them. The crops flowered; hailstorms ruined the crops. The vines offered hope Auster (the South Wind) blackens the sky and sudden rain ravishes their leaves. I did not want this; my anger is not cruel, but I lacked the desire to protect. The Fathers met and vowed an annual festival to my godhead [the Floralia], if the year flowered well. I acknowledged the vow. Consul Laenas and Consul Postumius discharged the shows for me.’ I was about to inquire why these shows had greater lewdness and more permissive play, but it came to me that this deity is no prig: the gifts of the goddess frame our pleasures. Drinkers encircle their brows with plaited crowns, burnished tables hide under rose showers. Tipsy guests dance with linden wreaths in their hair, as wine coaxes indiscretion and skill.

Tipsy lovers serenade a pretty girl's hard door, while delicate chains dress their scented hair. No business is conducted with garlanded brows, no one scarfed with flowers drinks pure water. While no one mixed you, Achelous, with the grape, gathering roses lacked all attraction. Bacchus loves flowers. Bacchus' pleasure in the wreath can be known from Ariadne's star. Light theatre suits her. Do not, believe me, do not rank her with the tragic-booted goddesses. Indeed the reason why a crowd of whores packs these shows is not difficult to find. She is neither one of the glum set nor a snob; she wants her rites open to the plebs, and warns us to use life's beauty as it blooms. The thorn is spurned when the rose has dropped. And yet why, when white robes are worn at Ceres' feast, do multi-coloured dresses best suit her? Is it because ripe ears of corn blanch the harvest, but flowers have every feature and hue? She nodded and flowers spilled from her cascading hair, like roses scattered upon a table.

There still remained the lights, whose cause eluded me, when she removed my bafflement with this : ‘Because the meadows light up with purple flowers, lights were believed to suit my festival; or because no flower or flame is dull in colour, and the brightness of each attracts the eye; or because nocturnal licence best suits our joys. The third cause is derived from the truth.’ ‘A little matter remains to nose into,’ I said, ‘If it is allowed.’ She said, ‘It is allowed.’ ‘Why instead of Libyan lions are peaceful deer and timorous rabbits netted for you?’ Her realm, she replied, was not forests but gardens and fields, which no savage beast may enter. She needed, and vanishes in the vaporous breeze. Her scent stayed; you'd know a goddess had been. That the song of Naso may flower for all time, sprinkle, I beg, my heart with your gifts." The Roman Goddess of Flowers. | Higgledy Garden The Roman Goddess of Flowers. Blog Flora , Rust Ben Who is the Roman Goddess of Flowers? The lady’s name is Flora and she is not the margarine for men. She is also not merely the Goddess of flowers but indeed of all flowering plants.

The spring belongs to her and at this time she becomes a love Goddess with virtues of fertility, blossoming beauty and sexuality. She is probably pre-roman, the Sabines are said to have named a month after her which coresponds to the Roman month of April. What did the Roman Goddess of Flowers do? Her main function was to avert nasty diseases from attacking the flowering plants that would be responsible for providing the bulk of the autumn harvests and the Roman people would evoke her spirit to do just that. Wheat, an especially important crop was susceptible to ‘rust’ and Flora was brought in to dissuade it from taking hold. By protecting the crops Flora was one of the most loved of the Roman Goddesses. The Virgin Birth Flora was able to grow a magic flower, which she gave to Juno and from which she was able to conceive without the help of a man. From this conception, Mars was born. Flora Fest Flora had her own festival, the Florelia, held in April or May. It celebrated the circle of life and was full of drinking, flowers and plenty of ‘How’s you father.’ There is now a Florelia Festival in Wales. Mr Bigglesworth.

Flora - Goddess of Flowers - Roman Goddess Flora - Goddess of Flowers - Roman Goddess. Flora was a goddess of flowers and the season of spring. Flora - Goddess of Flowers - Roman Goddess Per-Ankh Feed Tuesday, 17 January 2017 Home ï¿½ Divinity of the Day ï¿½ Roman Gods and Goddesses ï¿½ Flora - Goddess of Flowers Flora - Goddess of Flowers Flora was a goddess of flowers and the season of spring. Her festival, the Floralia, was held between April 28 and May 3 and symbolized the renewal of the cycle of life, drinking, and flowers. Flora was consort to Favonius, the wind god. She has elements of a Love-Goddess, with its attendant attributes of fertility, sex, and blossoming. She had a temple near the Circu Maximus in Rome. --~Attributes and Correspondences~-- Goddess of Abundance and Prosperity. Goddess God of the Acis River in Sicily. God God of health and medicine. God Gddess and personification of eternity. Goddess Goddess who relieved people from pain and sorrow. Goddess Goddess associated with snakes and Medea.

Goddess Goddess of the circle of the year Goddess Goddess of Chastity and Fertility. Goddess Goddess of childbirth and prophecy Goddess Goddess of forgiveness and mercy. Goddess Goddess who presided over the system of sewers in Rome Goddess Goddess of agreement, understanding, and marital harmony. Goddess Chthonic god protecting grain storage. God Goddess of the measurer of the thread of life. Goddess Goddess of Fertility, Hunting, and the Moon Goddess God of wealth and the underworld. God Goddess and personification of discipline. Goddess Phallic god who protected from envy and the evil eye. God Goddess of Fertility and Abundance. Goddess God of Wells and Springs. God Goddess of Fortune and Luck. Goddess Goddess of Water and Springs. Goddess Goddess of envy or jealousy. Goddess God of Gates and Doors. God Goddess of Marriage and Women. Goddess Supreme King of the Gods God Goddess of fountains, wells, and springs. Goddess God of Household and Estate. God Goddess of thieves, con men and charlatans. Goddess God of male fertility, viniculture and freedom. God Goddess to whom soldiers sacrificed captured weapons.

Goddess Goddess of Growth and Increase. Goddess Goddess of the Underworld and the dead. Goddess Goddess of dawn and childbirth, patroness of mariners. Goddess Goddess and personification of poisonous gases and volcanic vapours. Goddess Goddess of bees and beekeeping Goddess Messenger God and God of Commerce God Goddess of Wisdom, Arts, and Trade. Goddess God of Sun and Light God Goddess of memory and money. Goddess Personification of the act of birth. Goddess Ancient war goddess and valor. Goddess The spinner of the thread of life. Goddess God of the underworld and punisher of broken oaths. God Goddess who guarded the Palatine Hill. Goddess Goddess of Flocks and Sheppards. Goddess God of protection of infants at birth. God Goddess of Fruit Trees and Fruit Goddess God of keys, doors, and livestock. God Goddess of childbirth and the past. Goddess Goddess who protected breastfeeding mothers. Goddess Goodess of Well-being, Health and Prosperity Goddess God of loyalty, honesty, and oaths. God God of Seeds and Harvest. God God of woodlands and forests. God Goddess who protected against fires.

Goddess Goddess of the new year. Goddess Goddess of storms or sudden weather. Goddess Goddess of peace and tranquility. Goddess Goddess of crossroads and magic. Goddess Goddess of rest after harvest. Goddess Goddess of Beauty and Love. Goddess Goddess of victory and competitions. Goddess The Witches God - Janet and Stewart Farrar The Witches Goddess - Janet and Stewart Farrar A Dictionary of Egyptian Gods and Goddesses - George Hart Celtic Goddesses - Miranda Green Gods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia - Jeremy Black and Anthony Green Maori Religion and Mythology - Edward Shortland The Greek Myths - Robert Graves Encyclopedia of Goddesses and Heroines, 2-Volume Set - Patricia Monaghan Asgard and the Gods: The Tales and Traditions of Our Northern Ancestors - Wilhelm Wï¿½gner Macdovvall The Mythology of all Races - Vol 1-12 - Louis H Gray The Ancient Gods Speak - Edited by Donald B Redford The Pyramid Texts - Faulkner Aradia, Gospel of the Witches - Charles G. Leland Myths of the Norsemen From the Eddas and Sagas - H.

A. Guerber The Theogony of Hesiod - translated by Hugh G. Evelyn-White 1914 Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities, 2-Volume Set - Charles Russell Coulter and Patricia Turner Wikipedia Roman Goddess Flora *** Flora, the minor Roman goddess of flowers, fertility and spring Flora was goddess of flowering or blossoming plants, particularly of wheat and other crops. Flora was the twin sister to Fauna , the goddess of animals and wildlife and was originally was called Sabine. Her Greek counterpart was Chloris. Her name, Flora, survives in the botanical term for the plant life in a particular region. Most people recognise the names of the twin goddesses as they are used in the context of flora and fauna to mean the plant and animal life. Although Flora was a minor goddess the Romans held her in high esteem. Flora was depicted in art wearing a crown of flowers and her image was engraved on Roman coins. She was referred to by Ovid as "The goddess comes, crowned with garlands of a thousand flowers". In opposition to Flora was an antagonistic divinity, called Robigus, who was the cause of destruction of crops.

His wrath could only be averted by prayers and sacrifices, when he was invoked under the title of Averuncus, or the Avertor. The festival of Robigus (the Robigalia) was celebrated on April 5. Picture of Flora, Roman goddess of flowers The Temples of Flora The goddess Flora, the goddess of flowers was first honored in Rome, with a temple that was built in her honor. The content of the Sibylline Books motivated the construction of the Temple of Flora, and strongly advised the building of seven other temples. The Sibylline Books (Libri Sibyllini) were a collection of a collection of prophecies from an Oracle named the Sibyl of Cumae, bearing upon Roman religion and the welfare of Romans and the Roman state. On the advice of the Sibylline books, Titus Tatius, the King of the Sabines, vowed a shrine and a temple in honor located on the Quirinal Hill in Rome. with the purpose of gaining protection from Flora of the crops and plants.

Flora was also given a temple near the Circus Maximus in 238 and was represented by one of the twelve minor flamines (priests or sacrificers) in the collegium pontificum, the association of Pontiffs who were the chief priests. A festival in her honor called the Floralia, or Ludi Florales, was instituted on the occasion of the dedication of the temple to Flora near the Circus Maximus. The Triumph of Flora The Festival of Flora - the Floralia Flora was one of several Roman fertility goddesses. The Romans also believed Flora to be a love Goddess possessing the properties of fertility, sex and the blossom of spring and the renewal of the cycle of life. She was honored with the festival know as the Floralia or Ludi Florales. This springtime festival was celebrated to honor Flora between April 27 and May 3. The Floralia lasts for six days and during this time Romans decked their houses and temples with flowers and also wore flowers in their hair. Even their animals were decorated with flowers in honor of Flora. Floralia, the festival of Flora, was a lively affair involving merry making, feasting, drinking and games.

Romans wore highly colorful clothing, instead of their usual white clothes, to imitate colorful flowers that were believed to be the result of the influence of Flora. The six day festival of Floralia started with theatrical performances and mimes and culminated with games called the Florales Ludi. The theatrical performances received official recognition and, when first instituted, were known for their licentiousness and a particular favorite of the the plebeians (lower class Romans). The festival was a carnival of sexual fun and liberty featuring erotic dancing and stripping by prostitutes. The prostitutes of Rome identified with Flora at this time and claimed this day as their own and performed various erotic dances and mimes. The Worship of Flora - Sacrifices Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and fertility was worshipped in the same way as any other Roman divinity with prayers, making vows, dedicating altars, sacrificing animals and birds and making offerings of milk, honey, flowers and grain to the goddess. White animals were sacrificed to the gods and goddesses of the upper world and the sex of a sacrificial animal or bird had to correspond to the sex of the goddess to whom it was offered.

Picture of the Circus Maximus The Games in honor of Flora - Ludi Florales The festival to Flora included games (ludi Floralis) on the final days of the festival. The first games of the Floralia, or Florifertum, were celebrated on the fifth day of the festival when it was customary to bring stalks of wheat. Florifertum centered around the Kalends of May (May Day), and offerings of milk and honey would be made to the flower goddess. Lupins, purplish-blue flowers were thrown to the crowds at the Floralia together with a variety of lentils and beans as symbols of fertility. The crowds wore brightly colored clothes and decked their hair with flowers and wreaths. An unusual feature of the games was an enactment of hunting small animals such as hares and goats which were set in an elaborate setting. The usual gladiatorial games, the main events, followed towards the end of the day. The festival and games were discontinued at one point due when the authorities clamped down on the rowdy and licentious behaviour of the crowds. But were restored in 173 BCE after storms had destroyed crops and vines.

Flora Interesting information and Facts about the Roman goddess Flora Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, fertility and spring Stories and Legends in Roman Mythology and history Facts and information about the Gods and Deities of the Ancient World for schools and kids Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, fertility and spring Women and the Garden: Flora, Goddess of Flowers Women and the Garden The history of the garden and the various roles women played in that history has been a great interest to me for many years. Naively I thought I would write a book on the subject since the information is well hidden in many books on these two subjects. I am not a writer. Nor am I a historian. I do want to put down on paper (so to speak) what I have learned. Hence this blog. Saturday, October 2, 2010 Flora, Goddess of Flowers OK, so she is not a real person but Flora certainly had an influence in early Greek and Roman societies and later in the art world. But already I must partially retract the words that Flora was not a real person, because there seems to be some disagreement on this point.

The Romans said that Flora was a woman of pleasure, wealthy due to her trade, and left her wealth to the Roman senate on the proviso that the money was used to celebrate her birthday. The seemingly embarrassed senators agreed to this donation (could it be because they were clients?), gave Flora the title of goddess and thereafter held the Floralia on her birthday. True or not it makes a great story. Flora is the Roman goddess of flowers but at one time also over fruit trees, vines and cereals. Her name comes from the Latin floris, meaning flower and her season is that of spring. It is known that Flora was honoured by the Sabines an old Italic tribe of the Appennines before the founding of Rome. The Italic people celebrated her as a fertility goddess. It is also known that a statue of Flora existed in Greece where she was worshiped (and known as Chloris), prior to the time of Roman worship. It was believed Flora could avert rust, a fungal disease of plants that causes orange growths the colour of iron, that is a particular problem for wheat. The Floralia was a public religious festival to honour the goodwill of Flora.

Created in the 6th century BC by the Romans, it took place in spring and lasted six days, the last three days of April and the first three days of May. The festival consisted of games and theatrical performances. Chariot races and circus games took place and everywhere were the symbols of Flora. It was traditional to have goats and hares running around. As well, flowers of lupines, bean flowers and vetch were scattered about. The Romans walked around holding bouquets of flowers or wore wreaths of flowers around their neck or in their hair. The theatrical performances were known to be 'lewd' or 'bawdy' and it was not at all unusual for prostitutes (who were devoted to Flora) to remove their clothing when called upon. It looked to be quite the wild party. From Roman times through to the Renaissance Flora became equally known for her ties to the natural world as for her ties to prostitution and lewd self display. In paintings she would be portrayed either as the goddess of spring surrounded by plants and flowers with the emphasis on nature and abundance, or in contrast, an emphasis on nutrition, reproduction, and a recreational paradise. Today her name is used botanically.

By the eighteenth century the goddess of flowers metamorphosed into a scientific term. 'Flora' no longer represents flowers but "the plants of a particular region or period, listed by species and considered as a whole." (see dictionary) Kind of sad. If you are interested in one of Flora's counterparts check out my post on Pomona, the goddess of fruiting trees and orchards here . Posted by Flora: Roman Goddess of Flowers | The Broom Closet Look who fell out of the closet! November 26, 2012 Flora: Roman Goddess of Flowers Posted in Goddess Project , Goddess Things tagged Beltain , Beltaine , Beltane , Cult of Flora , Goddess Flora , May Day , Roman Goddesses at 1:35 am by Babs When spring is here, for many of us, it means a relief from the cold, dark days and snows of winter. As the days lengthen and get warmer, we are greeted by the rebirth of the earth itself: bulbs come up and bloom, filling the air with their heady, tempting fragrance; birds chirp and sing as they return from their winter migrations to build their nests; cats yowl out their urgent readiness for motherhood.

All around us are symbols of fertility, growth, warmth and light. It is the perfect time to throw a May Day party or Beltane Festival, to celebrate the end of winter hibernation and to reconnect with your friends and loved ones. Historic Beltane Beltane is an old Celtic Fire Ritual which celebrates at the most fundamental level the end of winter and the beginning of the warmer, lighter half of the year. It is the counterpart to Samhain, which marks the Pagan New Year and celebrates ancestors and the death of the crops (harvest). Beltane celebrates life. For the Celts, it was a festival that insured fertility and growth. May Day, Beltane’s other name, can trace its origin from many pagan sources, its main source is believed to be ancient Roman festival of Floralia. This festival began around the year 258 BCE. Pagan Romans celebrated for six days, from April 25th to May 3rd, honoring their Goddess of Spring and of Flowers, Flora. Flora is known as Chloris to the Greeks, was a beautiful and serene Goddess, the Queen of Spring. She was married to Zephyrus, the west wind, and her temple is in Aventine.

Floralia was a time a great merriment and rejoicing in ancient Rome. During the festival, Romans would cast off their habitual white robes for more colorful garments, especially green ones. They would also deck themselves and everything around them in flowers then engage in all sorts of activities. There would be feasting, singing, dancing, and gaming. Offerings of milk and honey were made to the Goddess Flora. Goats and hares meant to symbolize fertility were let loose in gardens and fields as protectors in Flora’s honor. Singing filled the air and dancers stomped the ground to awaken nature and bring it back to life. Ancient Roman prostitutes in particular enjoyed this festival as they considered Flora their patron Goddess. So Floralia was especially important to them. They participated in many events, from performing naked in the theatre to gladiatorial feats. With the occupation of Rome in many countries of the western world at the time, especially in Britain and continental Europe, the festival of Floralia spread, with each country adding its own special touches to the festivities. And finally, Floralia became May Day. many countries choose a May Queen to preside over the day’s activities and children dance around the Maypole.

Some collect flowers on May Eve for the next day and some couples even make love in their garden to ensure fertility. One belief that has been passed on is that oe should wash one’s face with the dew from may Day morn to obtain lasting beauty. Floralia or May Day is our way of welcoming spring after a long dark winter. Our senses delight in the warmth and beauty of spring and we are happy that the cycle of nature continues. Though Floralia began as a festival to ensure fertility in the land, in the animals, and in ourselves, May Day continues as a celebration of renewed life and the joy of the return of spring. Give thanks for life is in bloom all around you. Flora & The Birth of Mars (Aries) Flora tells her story: ‘Mars (Aries) also, you may not know, was formed by my arts. I pray that Jove (Zeus) stays ignorant of this. Holy Juno (Hera), when Minerva (Athene) sprang un-mothered, was hurt that Jove did not need her service. She went to complain to Oceanus of her husband’s deeds. She stopped at our door, tired from the journey.

As soon as I saw her, I asked, ‘what’s brought you here, Saturnia (Hera)?’ She reports where she’s going, and cites the cause. I consoled her with friendly words: ‘Words,’ she declares, ‘cannot relieve my pain. If Jove became a father without using a spouse and possesses both titles by himself, why should I not expect a spouseless motherhood, chaste parturition, untouched by a man? I’ll try every drug on the broad earth and empty Oceanus and the hollows of Tartarus.’ Her speech was mid-course; my face was hesitant. ‘You look, Nympha, as though you can help,’ she says. Three times I wanted to help, three times my tongue stuck: Jupiter’s anger caused massive fear. ‘Please help me,’ she said, ‘my source will be concealed;’ and the divine Styx testifies to this. ‘A flower,’ I said, ‘from the fields of Olenus will grant your wish. It’s unique to my gardens. I was told: ‘Touch a barren cow; she’ll be a mother.’ I touched. No delay: she was a mother.’ I quickly plucked the clinging flower with my thumb.

Juno feels its touch and at the touch conceives. She bulges, and enters Thrace and west Propontis and fulfils her wish: Mars (Aries) was created. Recalling my role in his birth, Mars said: ‘You, too, should have a place in Romulus’ city.” – Ovid, Fasti 5.229 Share this: FLORA - the Roman Goddess of Flowers (Roman mythology) FLORA Roman Flower Goddess Sexy Goddess of Flowers Because flowers are the sex organs of plants, she was worshipped by the Romans in their usual naughty way. Any excuse for an orgy. So be careful when you give someone a bunch of flowers — you could be sending quite the wrong message. Or indeed the right one. FLORA FACTS AND FIGURES Location : Italy and Roman Europe Gender : Female Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present Good/Evil Rating : Unknown at present Popularity index : 6720 Cite this Link to this page HTML: To link to this page, just copy and paste the text below into your blog, web page or email.

<a href="">Godchecker entry on FLORA, the Roman Goddess of Flowers</a> BBCODE: To link to this page in a forum post or comment box, just copy and paste the text below: [url= entry on FLORA, the Roman Goddess of Flowers[/url] Cite this article Here's the info you need to cite this page. Just copy the text in the box below. Saunders, Chas, and Peter J. Allen, eds. "FLORA - the Roman Goddess of Flowers (Roman mythology)." <em>Godchecker</em>. Godchecker.com / CID, 21 Jan. 2014. Web. 18 January 2017. . 21 January 2014 by the Godchecker Team. Editors: Peter J Allen, Chas Saunders References: Coming soon. Spring Goddess Goddess-Guide.com Spring Goddess The Spring Goddess celebrates the turning of the wheel of the year as the death and decay of winter gives way to a time of renewal and rebirth. Spring begins with the first green shoots and explodes into a multitude of beautiful blossoms and promise of good harvest.

In ancient times many festivals were held to celebrate the Spring Goddesses who were associated with flowering, growth and fertility of the land. Below is an exploration of the many faces of this Goddess taken from myths from around the world. List of Spring Goddesses Anna Perenna (Roman) she was associated with the cycles of the year and renewal. Her main Festival was celebrated on Ides of March. Artio (Swiss)the bear Goddess who hibernates during the Winter her return heralds the beginning of Spring. Beiwen (Finnish) A Saami Goddess associated with the fertility of plants and reindeer. Together with her daughter Beiwe-Neia, they turned the hills green so the reindeer could feed. Blodewedd (Celtic) This Spring Goddess was created by magic from nine spring flowers to be the wife of Llew Llaw. This got around the curse Arianhod had placed upon her son preventing him from taking a human wife. Brigit (Celtic) In her maiden aspect this Goddess is honoured at the festival of Imbolc which celebrates the first stirrings of Spring. Dziewanna (Eastern European) the Goddess of Spring and Agriculture. She was especially honoured by local farmers.

Flora (Roman) The Goddess of flowering plants, especially those that bore fruit. Her festival, the Floralia, took place in April or early May and was marked with dancing, drinking, and flowers. Freya (Nordic) This Nordic fertility Goddess is linked with spring growth and flowers. Gefn (Norse) This is another name for the Nordic Goddess Freya. Hare Ke (West African) Goddess of the sweet waters fed by the spring rains that brought fertility back to the land. Hebe (Greek) The Goddess of eternal youth and Spring. Ostara (Celtic) Painted eggs and white rabbits are sacred to Ostara, the Celtic Goddess of Spring, fertility and rebirth. Her symbols haves been incorporated into the Christian celebration of Easter. Kono-Hana-Sakuya-Hime (Japanese) She is associated with the Springtime and cherry blossom as her name means "Lady who makes the trees bloom." She is also Goddess of the sacred site Mount Fuji. Kore (Greek) Kore is an alternative name for the Greek Goddess Persephone. Kostroma (Russian) the fertility Goddess and personification of Spring.

In Russian mythology she dies at the end of each Spring, only to arise once more at the end of the following winter. Lada (Eastern European) As Goddess of Spring and Love she was worshipped throughout Lithuania, Poland and Russia. Libera (Roman) Together with Ceres and Liber she formed part of a triad of ancient Roman Gods and Goddesses responsible for bringing fertility back to the land. Maia (Greek) This Goddess of Spring represented the forces of growth and the return of the warm rays of the sun. Olwen (Celtic) Goddess of sunlight she reappeared every Spring, leaving behind her a trail of white clover wherever she walked. Persephone (Greek) Her mother Demeter mourned her daughter as left for the underworld each Autumn causing the land to become cold and barren. When she returned in the Spring the happy Demeter would bestow the land with growth and abundance. Prosepina (Roman) She was the Roman counterpart to Persephone and daughter of the grain Goddess Ceres. Rafu-Sen (Japanese) Goddess of plum blossoms. Sita (Hindu) Spring Goddess and Goddess of agriculture and the earth. Discover the other seasonal Goddesses by following the links to the following pages.

Sun Goddesses for information about the Summer Goddesses who represent the heat and the longer days of summertime. In traditional societies Autumn/Fall was not considered to be a separate season, it was the harvest at the end of summer. The section of this site that most closely reflects this aspect of the Goddess is the page on Fertility Goddesses The Winter goddess and the crone represent the attributes of the Goddess in the darkest and coldest months of the year.

Question: Who is the Roman goddess of flowers?
Answer: FLORA